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Kylie Apple

Hinton James Day

The University’s doors officially opened Jan. 15, 1795, but Carolina did not welcome its first student until Feb. 12. Hinton James Day is celebrated every Feb. 12 to commemorate the man who walked 170 miles from Wilmington in pursuit of his education. Although James found himself to be the only student for some time, more students eventually joined him on campus. James graduated from Carolina in 1798; he is noted for having founded the Dialectic Society, which remains active on campus today. James’ legacy lives on with our annual celebration and the South Campus residence hall named in his honor.

This year, we are welcoming Hinton James back to campus for a day of fun activities celebrating the day he first set foot on campus. Activities include:

BoJos at HoJo
Kick off Hinton James Day with Hinton at his namesake residence hall. We’ll have Bojangles biscuits and photo opportunities for the residents of HoJo starting at 7:30 a.m., Feb. 12.

Meet and Greet with Hinton James & Themed Lunch
Walking all the way to main campus from Hinton James Residence Hall leaves one famished. See what Hinton James would have enjoyed for lunch during his time at UNC. We’ll have a very themed out lunch at Chase Dining Hall, including several selections that would have been popular during Hinton’s time. Don’t worry, Chase Dining Hall will still serve your usual favorites, too. Make sure to take a peek at Rams Plaza on your way to lunch to learn more about other Carolina’s Firsts.

Basketball GiveawayWe are keeping the celebrations going all day long. During the basketball game against Notre Dame, we will be doing a T-shirt toss to celebrate the arrival of Carolina’s first student, along with other Carolina’s Firsts.

Learn more about the other 21 Carolina’s Firsts honored throughout the day.